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Chips are down as Aikens closes his 'smelly' fish shop
Terry Kirby, Evening Standard29.08.08
Renowned chef Tom Aikens is as famous for his sometimes confrontational nature as he is for the cooking that earned him two Michelin stars at 26.
But in his latest battle, he has given up the fight with environmental health officers and closed his ethical fish and chip restaurant after only six months.
The restaurant, Tom's Place, in Chelsea Green, attracted scores of complaints from local residents about the smell of chip fat from the extractor fans at the rear of the premises. They alleged that the smell had penetrated their homes and infected fabrics and furnishings.
Environmental health officers from Kensington and Chelsea initiated legal proceedings in June, but Aikens, 38, has pre-empted the court action and closed the restaurant.
A statement said: "Citing ongoing difficulties and disputes with local
residents and council planners over issues of air conditioning, kitchen extraction and general business, Aikens has decided to cease trading until further notice.''
Tom's Place, which Aikens opened with his twin brother Robert in February, was a pastiche of a traditional fish and chip shop that served only sustainable fish and English wines.
It was initially well received by food critics, although some questioned whether even Chelsea's well-heeled residents really needed a posh fish and chip shop. Recent diners have complained on restaurant review websites that the food was " disappointing" and over-priced.
In 1999 Aikens was sacked as head chef of Pied a Terre over an incident in which he allegedly "branded" a trainee chef with a hot knife, although he later claimed it was "a business incident".
Aikens also has a brasserie in the same area, Tom's Kitchen.
Macca attacks Ramsay's 'stupid' comments
Sir Paul McCartney has called Gordon Ramsay "stupid" for his outspoken comments against vegetarians.
It came after the chef, 41, repeatedly attacked vegetarian views in his television show and persuaded 50 vegetarians to eat veal.
The former Beatle, who has not eaten meat for 30 years, told Sainsbury's Magazine: "It's not up to me if he talks stupid or not... I think it's a case of live and let live. I will talk to people about the advantages of vegetarianism, and it will upset me if we've had a good conversation and they turn around and say something stupid."
Sir Paul, 66, is relaunching his late wife Linda's vegetarian range.
